Traveling to this destination is like having a cultural and heavenly vacation in one place with several attractions and experiences to enjoy during your stay.
Where is Phuket?
The largest island in Thailand is Phuket, which is located in the Andaman Sea to the west of the country. While this might ring a bell as one of the plush resorts, it is really an ideal way to spend easy days outdoors for travelers who love doing so.
In the urban area, the cultural heritage is quite visible, its buildings are in the Sino-Portuguese style and offer unmissable attractions for those who love history and traditions.
Best time to visit Phuket
The best time of the year to visit Phuket is during the dry season from November to April, with temperatures between 24 and 32 degrees Celsius and very minimal rainfall. Most days are clear and great for outdoor activities. It is imperative to travel during this time of year if you want to spend your days at beaches since the sea is calm and conducive to water activities.
March and April are hot, but one can still move around the island. The most popular month in April, for it is the Thai New Year; thus, it is more festive and lively.
For those who want to enjoy outdoor activities, it is not recommended to go during the rainy season—May to October—for the sea is rough and there are few activities that can be done.
However, this is low season—when prices are low and there are fewer tourists—so depending on your taste, you may still go during this period.
Is Phuket an expensive destination?
Compared to the Thai lifestyle and other cities in the country, Phuket is more expensive, but it still does not become an expensive destination.
The area boasts free attractions and fine beaches, so one can easily have an adventure without going broke. Public transport is very cheap, while at the same time, taxis or private services are very pricey.
Do you want to see Thailand’s largest island without going over your budget? To save money, make a plan, look for less expensive lodging, and choose real, affordable eateries.
It’s important to remember that doing price comparisons and research before reserving excursions or other activities is one of the greatest ways to have a great holiday without breaking the bank.
4 unmissable beaches in Phuket
The biggest island in Thailand offers a plethora of beaches, one more exquisite than the last. You won’t regret picking a few to enjoy days of cool water and shade.
- Patong Beach: the busiest beach in the city, with nightclubs, restaurants, and bars directly on the waterfront. It’s also well recognized for offering favorable diving and water sports conditions, including parasailing and jet skiing;
- Karon Beach: has a wide stretch of golden sand, its sea is clear and suitable for snorkeling, as well as having a peaceful atmosphere;
- Kata Beach: those who like surfing can’t miss Kata Beach, its sea is good for waves and its waters are crystal clear, ideal for snorkeling;
- Nai Harn Beach: less visited than the others, surrounded by hills and abundant vegetation, more frequented by those looking for a secluded environment;
- Bang Tao Beach: has many resorts and various services on offer, as well as having a sea that is ideal for practicing water activities.
You can be sure that each one surprises in a different way and offers unforgettable experiences.
Top Phuket Tours
Phuket Island offers tours to some of Thailand’s most beautiful places. The most popular are James Bond Island, Similan Islands and Phi Phi Islands, each offering some truly unique and idyllic trips.
James Bond Island
It is located in Phang Nga Bay and was once the setting for the film “The Man with the Golden Guns”. After being shown in the cinemas, James Bond Island became even more famous, with excursions including boat trips, visits to caves and remote lakes.
You can also do water sports, such as kayaking, in case you want to get closer to the limestone rock settings. You should not miss the chance to go to another floating village, Koh Panyee, which has several restaurants where you could have lunch differently.
Similan Islands
It is located about 90 km from Phuket and, according to various reviews, it is one of the most popular diving spots in the country; one can get to this island only by water transport.
You will get to explore Similan Islands in the framework of an excursion with underwater visits in equipment to swim around its coral racks; further on, you will have lunch at one of the beautiful beaches.
Phi Phi Islands
There’s no denying that the Phi Phi Islands are one of the most famous in Thailand and there are excursions from Phuket to this paradise of turquoise blue sea.
Like James Bond Island, it has also been the setting for Hollywood films, “The Beach” was filmed in Maya Bay, a beautiful location.
On excursions, you can visit its beaches and make several iconic stops to explore places full of adventure, culture and beauty.
Phuket tourist attractions
Well, Phuket is not all about some paradisiacal beaches; it has several tourist attractions offering interesting and culturally rich tours. There are some museums that give the broad view of its history and customs, which are well worth a visit to get an understanding of the roots of this city.
Chai Tararam Temple
One of the most well-known Buddhist temples in Thailand is located in Chalong district: Chai Tararam Temple. The place was constructed in memory of two monks who could cure a lot of people using alternative medicine.
The monastery complex contains several buildings, and the most symbolic one is the Chedi that houses a relic regarded as sacred with the bones of one of the Buddhas.
There are also murals depicting his life and you can climb to the top for a panoramic view of the region. There you can light candles, make offerings and listen to the monks say prayers.
Entry is free. However, you must wear modest clothing as a sign of respect and you must remove your shoes to enter the buildings.
Chinpracha House
If you like stories and exploring period artifacts, you have to put the Chinpracha House museum on your Phuket itinerary. It was built in 1903 and its building demonstrates the Sino-Portuguese influence.
It is open daily and charges a small fee, R$22.12, a symbolic amount. You will not regret your visit, you will have the opportunity to understand in a deep and educational way the heritage of this city.
Its architecture combines European and Chinese elements; the house has tiles that came directly from Italy and Chinese furniture. The building has good ventilation and lighting, thanks to its central courtyard.
The original owner was one of the pioneers of the foreign industry and had great power in the local community, his house has become a museum of what life was like for the Phuket aristocracy.
Phuket Thai Hua Museum
To learn more about the history of Chinese immigrants, the Phuket Thai Hua Museum offers interactive exhibits that you can interact with during the tour. Before the museum opened in 2010, it was an old Chinese school.
The architecture is colonial with Western and Eastern elements. As you stroll through its galleries you will see photographs and artifacts of immigrants, as well as documentaries and videos that tell personal stories.
Jui Tui Sanctuary
One of the oldest shrines in Phuket is Jui Tui, located near the city market and admission is free. The temple has Chinese architecture, its roofs are decorated with dragon statues, and the decoration is in red and gold.
On the altar there are statues of Chinese gods that are surrounded by offerings and incense. If you visit in September or October, you can participate in the great Vegetarian Festival, which is nine days of spiritual and physical purification.
It is worth mentioning that the sanctuary was built in honor of the god who protects health and music.
Green Elephant Sanctuary Park
Situated close to the beaches of Bang Tao and Surin, Green Elephant Sanctuary Park is a reserve where rescued elephants from abusive situations of forced labor and mistreatment live freely in their natural environment.
It will introduce you to this wonderful educational and conservation work occurring in Phuket. You will be allowed to feed the elephants with fruits and vegetables, have them take mud baths with you, walk among them in the forest, and observe the animal in its habitat but always in a respectful way.
You do not have to worry about spending the day; there are rest areas and bathrooms. This souvenir shop, located to help with the work that is being done, gathers money to finance the park.